Love is the source of all the bestowals of God. Until love takes possession of the heart, no other divine bounty can be revealed in it.6 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:1)

Order your lives in accordance with the first principle of divine teaching, which is love.7 'Abdu'l-Baha In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.8 Baha'u'llah (3:2)

To every human being must ye be infinitely kind.9 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:3)

Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our grace encompasseth the earth and the heavens.10 Baha'u'llah (3:4)

You must have infinite love for each other, each preferring the other before himself.11 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:5)

You must love your friend better than yourself; yes, be willing to sacrifice yourself...I desire that you be ready to sacrifice everything for each other, even life itself.12 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:6)

Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself.13 Baha'u'llah (3:7)

A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.14 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:8)

Think ye of love and good fellowship as the delights of heaven, think ye of hostility and hatred as the torments of hell.15 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:9)

Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God.16 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:10)

When a man turns his face to God he finds sunshine everywhere...Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.17 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:11)

Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines.18 'Abdu'l-Baha (3:12)

Ye were created to show love one to another and not perversity and rancor. Take pride not in love for yourselves but in love for your fellow- creatures. Glory not in love for your country, but in love for all mankind.19 Baha'u'llah (3:13)

Love, in its fullness and purity, is the mother of all virtues. It is the power that gives birth to everything good and noble. It is the very purpose of human life. Love, in its fullness, means seeking and embracing truth and goodness. Everything true is good, and everything good is true. God is truth and goodness. Love is truth and goodness. A person who loves truth and goodness understands that: (3:14)

There exists a just and caring God who must be known, loved, and glorified for His greatness (3:15)

Justice is better than cruelty
Honesty excels dishonesty
Knowledge is superior to ignorance
Wisdom transcends folly
Doing is nobler than simply sitting and dreaming. (3:16)

Therefore 'love is the great secret.' When we have true love, we discover and live by truth and goodness; we have attained the purpose for which the universe came into being. (3:17)

We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord...We shall always be with you; if We inhale the perfume of your fellowship, Our heart will assuredly rejoice, for naught else can satisfy Us.20 Baha'u'llah Let us conclude this section with two quotations on virtues, one by Christ, the other by Baha'u'llah: (3:18)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (3:19)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (3:20)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (3:21)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (3:22)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (3:23)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (3:24)

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